Beyond the usual tourist routes and emblematic destinations, Barcelona is home to a number of secret and charming places that rarely appear in conventional tourist guides.
Barcelona, a city that attracts millions of visitors each year, is famous for its impressive monuments, lively promenades and sun-drenched beaches.
But if you’re looking for an authentic experience and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowds, here are five very unique spots to explore on warm August afternoons.
Exploring Barcelona’s hidden treasures: a city beyond the guidebooks
Bellesguard Tower
A Medieval Treasure by Gaudí At the mention of “Gaudí” and “Barcelona”, masterpieces such as Park Güell or the Sagrada Familia immediately come to mind. However, in Bellesguard Street, Gaudí left his mark on a little-known jewel: the Bellesguard Tower. This building, a fusion of modernist and neo-gothic elements, is one of the first creations of the brilliant architect. Located in one of the most exclusive streets in Spain, this tower is a tribute to history, as it stands on the remains of King Martí l’Humà’s palace from the 14th century. The Bellesguard Tower is a magical corner that allows visitors to go back in time.
The gardens of the Ignacio de Puig House
The Secret Garden behind the Rambla In the heart of the city, behind the doors of the Petit Palace Opera Garden Hotel on Boqueria Street, hides an unexpected oasis: the gardens of Casa Ignacio de Puig. This romantic garden, filled with laurels, magnolias and linden trees, offers a calm and fresh respite from the urban bustle. Although it is right in the center of Barcelona, it is a corner that most locals are unaware of.
Llantiol Café-Theater
A Pearl of Entertainment Located in the old town of Barcelona, the Llantiol café-theater is a place where entertainment and fun come together. Since its opening in 1980, this venue has been the setting for a variety of shows from live performances to comedy monologues. With an intimate seating capacity of 100 people, visitors can enjoy the show while relaxing with a drink in hand.
Sagrat Cor de Jesús
Modernism in Poblenou In the middle of the most modern Poblenou and with a rich history, is the parish of Sagrat Cor de Jesús. Designed by architect Enric Sagnier, this modernist church is an architectural treasure surrounded by graffiti murals and avant-garde buildings. Inaugurated in 1926, it stands out for its modernist style and its location in an area in constant transformation. Although it was damaged in a fire during the Civil War, it still retains its unique essence and is a fascinating place to explore.